We are celebrating our 2025 leavers, and in this edition we catch up with Gabe Downes (SH 20–25).

Gabe left Rugby in the summer of 2025 after achieving outstanding A-level results of A*AA in Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry. A former member of School House, he is now studying Economics and Statistics at Duke University in the United States. In this One Year Leaver Feature, Gabe reflects on his time at Rugby and the advice he would offer to those following in his footsteps.

Could you tell us a little bit about yourself and what you are doing now e.g., university, apprenticeship etc.

Hi, I’m Gabe.

I left Rugby in the summer of 2025 and was in School House since F-Block. I am currently studying Economics and Statistics at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina. I’m having an amazing time, and it feels like a continuation of life at Rugby School, but with more freedom.

How do you think your sixth form options (either IB or A level) prepared you for university life and your studies?

I took A Level Maths, Physics and Chemistry, alongside an EPQ. I feel that the EPQ allowed me to maintain my writing skills, whilst the A Levels enabled me to pursue my interests in greater depth. At American universities, learning is much broader initially, but I think the academic rigour of A Levels has set me up well in terms of my approach to studying.

How did life at Rugby help prepare you for life after school?

Life at Rugby allowed me to pursue my interests in sport and clubs, but I think the most important takeaway was the impact it had on my character and how I conduct myself in conversations. Whether with friends, teachers, coaches or faculty, Rugby helped me develop the social awareness to ‘read the room’ and act appropriately in different situations. This ranged from post-match singing on the bus to one-to-one Physics sessions.

Were there any teachers or members of staff who had a lasting impact on you? And what are some of your favourite memories from your time at Rugby?

The School House team shaped my life at Rugby, most notably Mr Rigg, Mr Shepherd and Mr Ellis, who all acted as tutors, both officially and unofficially. Mr Powell and Mr Tester also guided me through school life through cricket.

Some of my standout highlights were winning the National Cricket Cup at Lord’s last summer and winning house rugby back-to-back, beating Mr Ellis’s Whitelaw in the final.

What advice would you give to those currently at Rugby, or those wanting to join?

If you are thinking about joining, do it. My years at Rugby were the best five years of my life, and the people I met are incredible. I often think about the 13-year-old version of me in the School House dormitories compared to who I am now. I am grateful to him for taking the opportunities and making the most of Rugby. I would love to do it all again!